Jonathan speaks out on prospect of TransPennine train loss

Jonathan has spoken out in response to reports that TransPennine Express’s fleet of trains could be reduced by 13% in order to bolster Chiltern Rail services in the South East.

The news came after a recent report in the industry press which claimed a deal had been done with leasing firm, Porterbrook - who provide trains to the TransPennine Express franchise - to move 9 of their 70 trains to Chiltern when the current lease expires in 2015.

The move would seriously affect commuters in Stalybridge, as the trains are the ones used on the Leeds - Manchester services, which stop at Stalybridge station.

Commenting on the news, Jonathan said the move would be “a total disaster for commuters here in Stalybridge”.

“TransPennine services running through Stalybridge are already some of the most overcrowded in the country, if their capacity is reduced even further it is going to push things to breaking point. Without a guarantee of replacement trains I really can’t see how they will be able to cope.”

“I have been arguing for some time that we need more rolling stock on these services, the last thing we need is even fewer trains than what we already have.”

“There needs to be a clear plan on how these vital services will be maintained, and I will be raising this with Secretary of State for Transport as a matter of urgency.”

UPDATE: Jonathan has now launched a petition against these proposals. If you wish to sign it you can find it by following this link.